Find 5 Bucket-List-Level Views in Arkansas Without Needing to Be an Expert Hiker

Many people believe that to see a spectacular, breathtaking view, a rigorous hike is necessary. But that couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, there are numerous easy trails that lead to a bucket-list-level view in Arkansas, and just about anyone can take them. I will share five of these paths that are easy enough for those who don't have much (or any) hiking experience.

1. Cedar Falls Overlook Trail

• Location: Petit Jean State Park, Morrilton
• Length: 0.3-mile out-and-back trail
• Need to Know: Admission to Petit Jean State Park is free.

Petit Jean State Park is Arkansas' first state park, featuring a rugged, mountainous landscape with trails built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The short and sweet Cedar Falls Overlook Trail leads to, as I'm sure you've already guessed, an overlook where you can view the cascade of Cedar Falls. The trail is accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, and mobility equipment, allowing anyone to enjoy the hike, and there are a few accessible parking spots at the paved parking lot by the trailhead.

2. Farkleberry Trail

• Location: Lake Maumelle Wildlife Management Area, Northpoint
• Length: 0.8-mile out-and-back trail
• Need to Know: This trail runs along Lake Maumelle, the primary water source for Central Arkansas. The water is protected, with no boating, wading, or swimming allowed.

Running along the southern side of Lake Maumelle, the Farkleberry Trail remains flat for its entire length. Due to its flat, easy terrain, this trail is perfect for children and smaller dogs that may not be able to handle a longer trek. The best part of the trail is undoubtedly the views of the lake and distant hills. It's also an excellent trail for birdwatching, and plenty of wildlife have been spotted in the areas around the lake.

3. Lorance Creek Nature Trail

• Location: Lorance Creek Natural Area, Little Rock
• Length: 0.5-mile out-and-back trail
• Need to Know: Part of the Nature Conservancy, Lorance Creek NA is just a few minutes from downtown Little Rock.

The ecosystems that comprise Lorance Creek Natural Area are fascinating. Its 525 acres feature uplands, lowlands, and swampland where tupelo and cypress trees grow. Here, you can take a quick tour via a short paved pathway and boardwalk through a pine-oak forest to the bottomland swamp, all under a canopy of trees. The scenery is magical, and those with wheelchairs, mobility equipment, and strollers can enjoy the sights and sounds of nature on the Lorance Creek Nature Trail.

4. Devil's Knob Loop

• Location: Devil's Knob-Devil's Backbone Natural Area, Izard County
• Length: 1.3-mile loop trail
• Need to Know: The area is managed by the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission. While there is plenty of parking, there are no restrooms available.

The Devils Knob Loop offers gorgeous views of a varied landscape: hardwood trees, outcroppings of limestone and sandstone, and the Ozarks. While the climb to the top is 170 feet and may be challenging to some, it's short and so worth it for the views!

5. Dewey Canyon Falls, Bumpers Falls, and Heuston Falls

• Location: Ozark-St. Francis National Forest near Big Flat
• Length: 0.9-mile, out-and-back trail
• Need to Know: The trailhead is located off Hwy 341 near the town of Big Flat, and there is parking across the road.

If you love chasing waterfalls, then you'll love this hike! The Dewey Canyon Falls, Bumpers Falls, and Heuston Falls trail takes you to a series of waterfalls that are listed in the "Arkansas Waterfall" guide by Tim Ernst. While this trail, which is less than a mile long, has some steep sections, its scenery is so scenic that you may not even notice. Hikers have noted that the trail isn't marked, so make sure you have the AllTrails app to guide you.

If you have any suggestions for short and sweet hikes in Arkansas, please fill out our nomination page—we'd love to hear from you! You can also check out more bucket-list-worthy hikes with spectacular views in Arkansas.

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